88R9580 TBO-D
 
  By: Johnson of Dallas H.R. No. 309
 
 
 
R E S O L U T I O N
         WHEREAS, April is World Autism Month, and April 4, 2023, is
  being set aside as Texas Autism Advocacy Day at the State Capitol,
  providing a fitting opportunity to honor the Autism Society of
  America and the Autism Society of Texas for their outstanding work
  to promote better understanding of autism; and
         WHEREAS, Autism is a complex, lifelong developmental
  condition that typically appears during early childhood, and it can
  impact a person's social skills, communication, relationships, and
  self-regulation; according to the Centers for Disease Control and
  Prevention's Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring
  Network, about 1 in every 44 children in the United States is
  identified with autism spectrum disorder, compared with 1 in 150
  three decades ago; and
         WHEREAS, One of the oldest autism-focused grassroots
  organizations in the United States, ASA launched a nationwide
  effort in 1970 to promote autism awareness and improve the quality
  of life for those affected by the disorder; the organization went on
  to establish a branch in Texas in 1990, and since then, ASA and AST
  have supported and empowered countless Texans through initiatives
  such as the Navigating Autism helpline, in-person and virtual
  support groups, and education and advocacy efforts; today, the
  organizations have expanded their missions to emphasize the
  importance of promoting inclusivity and accepting those in the
  autism community; and
         WHEREAS, The cause of autism is unknown, but therapy and
  support services can dramatically improve outcomes; early
  diagnosis and intervention are crucial to help people living with
  autism use their skills and talents to reach their full potential;
  now, therefore, be it
         RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 88th Texas
  Legislature hereby recognize April 4, 2023, as Texas Autism
  Advocacy Day at the State Capitol and encourage all Texans to learn
  more about autism; and, be it further
         RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
  prepared for the Autism Society of America and the Autism Society of
  Texas as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of
  Representatives.